Jews Step Forward represents the transcendence of conscience over tribalism within the Jewish community, a truthful reframing of Israel and a path to reconciliation.

Interview with Director Marjorie Wright

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This subject represents one of the longest running injustices of the modern era and there are more and more Jews who can't check their values at the door and who are speaking out to end it. The film gives them a voice.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Since Israel is the #1 recipient of U.S. aid in the world, including the arms used to engage in violent suppression of the indigenous people there, every American taxpayer subsidizes this. Plus, the actions of the IDF and continuing injustice have fueled anti-American sentiment across the Muslim world. American viewers need to understand the implications of their government's actions.

Jews Step Forward - Segregation is not our Judaism.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Universal human rights is the basic message OF this film for both Israelis and Palestinians. Every one of the 24 interviewees echo this. Each gives their own personal story growing up Jewish, what that identify meant to them individually, how they had been socialized regarding Israel and how they awakened to a larger consciousness.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The idea for a doc is an outline, which creates questions to ask your subjects. However the real film is always the aggregate of what these individuals tell you. You can't go with a script, but instead after filming, you build a narrative from THEIR voices, not your own. JSF initially was a 4 hour rough cut, because there was so much of significant substance in those interviews. Of course that was cut and cut and cut down to 112 minutes.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We've won 3 awards, been screamed at during Q&As because many Jews cannot accept the reality of what Israel is doing, and been rejected by many festivals because the topic is untouchable and too controversial. Safe subjects are ones which are politically correct, but in JSF, Jews pull the scab off hypocrisy. The responses are visceral. Some say the film should be shortened. Others in human rights have loved it and said it is comprehensive and relentless.

Jews Step Forward - Martin Luther King in Palestine.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

This is my third film on this subject, so I have experienced a wide range of responses, including from Palestinians, other Arabs and Muslims, who complain that this is another self absorbed Judeocentric view of their struggle.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I am an activist first and my films are meant to further the consciousness of both the movement and the general public. So the more people who see JSF, who recognize the basic human rights struggle of Palestinians, who hear Jewish voices abandoning false narratives, standing up and stepping forward, the more likely they are to take up the cause too. Change happens when ignorance ends.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Good distributors and a festival director of a big festival, who is unafraid to challenge institutionalized power, which might include their own sponsors, patrons and audience.

Jews Step Forward - IDF choking child.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Ideally, if I had my wish, I would want JSF to accelerate change within the American Jewish community and to make evangelicals see that Christian Zionism encourages and enables racist repression.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Do you believe in universal human rights for all people? Then why not for Palestinians?

Would you like to add anything else?

Questioning Israel is not anti-Semitic and cannot be used falsely to silence and hide human rights violations.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Elika has recently worked on a film about women's role in the Nicaraguan civil war during the '80's. Marjorie is working on the recently deceased Holocaust surivivor and human rights activist: Hedy Epstein.

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Jews Step Forward represents the transcendence of conscience over tribalism within the Jewish community, a truthful reframing of Israel and a path to reconciliation.

Length: 112 Minutes

Director: Marjorie Wright

Advisor: Dr. Joel Kovel

Producer: Marjorie Wright and Elika Rezaee

Writer: Marjorie Wright

About the writer, director and producer:

Marjorie is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York and this is her third film exploring this subject. Elika is a 2015 graduate of The American Film Institute in LA and has produced short films abroad and worked in documentary, features, virtual reality and music video.